New amd mobile processors. Comparison of laptop processors (AMD and Intel). Premium processors for laptops from Intel

Sergey Pakhomov

Sales of laptops have long surpassed sales of desktop PCs, and today most home users rely on laptops. The retail network offers a huge variety of laptop models on both Intel and AMD platforms. On the one hand, such abundance pleases the eye, but on the other, the problem of choice arises. As you know, the performance of a computer is largely determined by the processor installed in it, but understanding modern families and symbols processors are not so easy. And if with the designations of mobile processors Intel everything is more or less clear, but AMD is in complete confusion with this. Actually, it was precisely this circumstance that prompted us to compile a kind of guide to mobile processors from AMD.

The range of AMD processors for laptops is more than diverse (see table). However, if we talk about modern processors, which it makes sense to focus on, then we can limit ourselves to considering only 45-nm processors of the Phenom II, Athlon II, Turion II, V-series, Sempron families with the following core code names: Champlain, Geneva and Caspian.

Processors codenamed Champlain were announced by the company quite recently - in May 2010, while 45 nm processors codenamed Caspian were announced in September 2009.

The AMD family of mobile processors includes both quad-core and triple-, dual- and single-core models.

Each processor core has a 128 KB Level 1 (L1) cache, which is divided into a dual-channel 64 KB data cache and a dual-channel 64 KB instruction cache. In addition, each processor core has a dedicated L2 cache of 512 KB or 1 MB.

But the third level cache memory (L3) mobile processors AMD are deprived (unlike their desktop counterparts).

All AMD mobile processors feature AMD 64 technology (64-bit computing support). In addition, all AMD processors are equipped with MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3 and Extended 3DNow! instruction sets, Cool'n'Quiet power saving technologies, NX Bit virus protection and AMD Virtualization technology.

So, let's look at the families of modern AMD mobile processors in more detail. And we will begin, naturally, by considering the AMD Phenom II family of quad-core processors.

AMD's mobile quad-core processor family is the 900 series of Phenom II processors.

All Phenom II 900 series processors have a 2 MB L2 cache (512 KB per processor core) and an integrated DDR3 memory controller. Additionally, all of these processors use 128-bit FPUs. The differences between the quad-core Phenom II 900 series processors include clock speed, power consumption, and supported memory. For its processors, AMD indicates another rather strange and, in our opinion, completely illogical characteristic - Maximum processor-to-system bandwidth (MAX CPU BW). It's about about the total bandwidth of all buses between the processor and the system, or more precisely, about the total bandwidth of the HyperTransport (HT) bus and the memory bus. If, for example, the processor works with DDR3-1333 memory, then throughput memory bus is 21.2 GB/s (in dual-channel mode). Further, if the HyperTransport (HT) bus throughput is 3600 GT/s, which corresponds to a throughput of 14.4 GB/s, then the total throughput of the HyperTransport bus and the memory bus will be 35.7 GB/s. Of course, it would be more logical to indicate in the processor specification the maximum memory frequency that the processor supports, but... it is what it is. Fortunately, knowledge of the HyperTransport bus bandwidth and such a parameter as MAX CPU BW allows you to unambiguously determine the maximum memory frequency supported by the processor.

So, let's return to the family of quad-core Phenom II 900 series processors. This family is headed by the Phenom II X920 Black Edition (BE) with unlocked multiplier. This processor has the highest clock speed (2.3 GHz) in the AMD family of quad-core mobile processors and is the hottest - its power consumption is 45 W. The HyperTransport bus capacity is 3600 GT/s, and the value MAX parameter CPU BW - 35.7 GB/s. As you can easily calculate, this means that the built-in DDR3 memory controller supports memory with a maximum frequency of 1333 MHz (in dual-channel operating mode).

Two more models of AMD quad-core mobile processors are the Phenom II N930 and Phenom II P920. The Phenom II N930 has a clock speed of 2 GHz and a power consumption of 35 W, while the Phenom II P920 has a clock speed of 1.6 GHz and a power consumption of 25 W. For both processor models, the HyperTransport bus bandwidth is 3600 GT/s, but the Phenom II N930 processor supports DDR3-1333 memory, and the Phenom II P920 processor only supports DDR3-1066 memory.

AMD's tri-core mobile processor family is the 800 series of Phenom II processors. Today there are only two three-core models of mobile processors: Phenom II N830 and Phenom II P820, both equipped with a 1536 KB L2 cache (512 KB for each processor core) and an integrated DDR3 memory controller. The difference between these models is the clock speed, power consumption and the maximum frequency of supported DDR3 memory. Thus, the Phenom II N830 processor operates at a clock frequency of 2.1 GHz with a power consumption of 35 W, and the maximum frequency of DDR3 memory supported by the processor is 1333 MHz. The Phenom II P820 processor operates at a clock speed of 1.8 GHz with a power consumption of 25 W and supports DDR3-1066 memory.

In passing, we note that if the letter “P” is present in the marking of AMD processors, this means that the processor’s power consumption is 25 W. The presence of the letter “N” indicates a processor power consumption of 35 W, and the letter “X” indicates 45 W.

The Phenom II family of dual-core processors is the 600 series. This series today includes two models: Phenom II X620 BE and Phenom II N620. Both of them have a 2 MB L2 cache (1 MB per core) and 3600 GT/s HT bus bandwidth. Moreover, both processor models support DDR3-1333 memory (MAX CPU BW is 35.7 GB/s). The difference between the processors is that the Phenom II X620 BE model has a power consumption of 45 W and a clock speed of 3.1 GHz. In addition, this processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Phenom II N620 processor with a power consumption of 35 W has a clock speed of 2.8 GHz.

Concluding the review of mobile processors of the Phenom II family, we note once again that it includes four, triple and dual-core processors with a 128-bit FPU, the power consumption of which can be 45, 35 or 25 W. All of these processors have HT 3600 GT/s bus bandwidth and support DDR3 memory with a maximum frequency of 1333 or 1066 MHz. The size of the L2 cache depends on the number of processor cores and per one processor core is 512 KB (for four and three-core models) or 1 MB (for dual-core models).

The next family of 45nm mobile processors based on the Champlain core is the Turion II family of dual-core processors, which is represented by two models: Turion II N530 and Turion II P520. These processors differ from each other only in clock speed and power consumption. The Turion II N530 has a clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a power consumption of 35 W, while the Turion II P520 has a clock speed of 2.3 GHz and a power consumption of 25 W. In all other respects, the characteristics of these processors are the same. Thus, both models are equipped with 128-bit FPUs, have a 2 MB L2 cache (1 MB per core), and the HT bus bandwidth is 3600 GT/s. In addition, both processor models support DDR3-1066 memory. Note that dual core processors The characteristics of the Turion II 500 series family are practically no different from the dual-core models of the Phenom II 600 series processor family. The differences are only in the clock speed and the maximum frequency of supported memory. Actually, it’s not very clear why these two processor models needed to be separated into a separate Turion II family, because they could be classified as part of the Phenom II family of dual-core processors.

The next family of AMD dual-core mobile processors based on the Champlain core is the Athlon II family, which is also represented by two models: Athlon II N330 and Athlon II P320. These processors are really very different from the dual-core Phenom II and Turion II processors. First of all, their L2 cache is reduced to 1 MB (512 KB per core). In addition, these processors have 64-bit FPUs and an HT bus bandwidth of 3200 GT/s. In addition, these processors only support DDR3-1066 memory. The differences between the Athlon II N330 and Athlon II P320 models themselves are in clock speed and power consumption.

Single-core mobile processors based on the Champlain core are represented by the V-Series family, which today includes only one model - the V120 with a clock frequency of 2.2 GHz and a 512 KB L2 cache. This processor is equipped with 64-bit FPUs, and the HT bus bandwidth is 3200 GT/s. In addition, the V120 processor supports DDR3-1066 memory and its power consumption is 25 W. In general, according to its characteristics, the V120 processor is a single-core version of the Athlon II P320 processor.

All of the AMD mobile processors we reviewed are 2010 processors (they were announced by the company in May), aimed at powerful and versatile laptops, as well as notebooks entry level. However, AMD's product range also includes processors with reduced power consumption - they are aimed at ultra-thin laptops and netbooks. These dual-core and single-core 45nm processors, also announced in May, are codenamed Geneva and include the Turion II Neo, Athlon II Neo and V-Series

Dual-core processors of the Turion II Neo series (Turion II Neo K665, Turion II Neo K625) have a power consumption of 15 W, dual-core and single-core processors of the Athlon II Neo series (Athlon II Neo K325, Athlon II Neo K125) have a power consumption of 12 W, but the power consumption of a single-core The V105 processor is only 9 Watts.

The Turion II Neo series dual-core processors feature 128-bit FPUs and 2 MB L2 cache (1 MB per core). The HT bus capacity is 3200 GT/s.

Athlon II Neo series processors have 64-bit FPUs and 1 MB L2 cache per core, and HT bus bandwidth is 2000 GT/s. Well, the single-core V105 processor differs (except for the clock frequency) from the single-core Athlon II Neo K125 processor in that the L2 cache is halved.

Note that all Geneva processors support DDR3-1066 memory in dual-channel mode.

In addition to the Champlain and Geneva mobile processors, AMD's product range also includes other 45 nm mobile processors. We are talking about processors codenamed Caspian, which were announced in September 2009 and are not yet outdated. Caspian mobile processors are represented by the Turion II and Turion II Ultra families of dual-core processors, a family of dual-core Athlon processors II and the Sempron family of single-core processors.

All dual-core Caspian processors have a power consumption of 35 W, and single-core processors have a power consumption of 25 W. In addition, all Caspian processors only support DDR2-800 memory (in dual-channel operating mode).

The Turion II and Turion II Ultra processor families feature 128-bit FPUs and HT bus bandwidth of 3600 GT/s. The difference between the Turion II Ultra and Turion II family of processors is that the Turion II Ultra processors have a 2 MB L2 cache (1 MB per core), while the Turion II processors have a 1 MB L2 cache (512 KB per core).

Processors of the Athlon II and Sempron families have 64-bit FPUs and 512 KB L2 cache per core. In addition, the HT bus bandwidth for these processors is 3200 GT/s.

When choosing a processor from AMD, you are faced with many incomprehensible letters and numbers. What do they mean? How to separate an average processor from a weak one? You will learn about this in our material.

Introduction

Processors produced before 2010 will not be considered here, as well as server solutions, chips on the AM1 platform, as well as the AMD Ontario line (on this moment not relevant), so the markings shown in this article may not apply to them.

Here is a video that will help you figure it out, but we recommend that you still read the article, as it is more detailed and will be updated in the future.

Architecture

The market currently offers chips from the 4 latest desktop architectures, and in the second half of 2016 it is planned to introduce to the world a new Zen architecture with a large jump in performance per clock and reduced to 14 nm, which may help catch up with Intel in the top segment.

Sockets

Current platforms at the beginning of 2016 include FM2, FM2+ and AM3+

Processor lines

E - series

Budget entry-level processors designed for laptops and netbooks.

E1 have 2 cores on board, and E2 - 4.

Belonging to a particular generation is determined by the first digit:

• 7-Carrizo-L
• 6 - Beema
• 2, 3 - Kabini (not taking into account old chips before 2012, which have the same number)

There are quite a few chips in this series, and if there is a need, you can familiarize yourself with the models at.

APU

AMD processors with integrated graphics core (APU) are divided into lines:

• A4 – 2 cores
• A6 – 2 cores
• A8 – 4 cores
• A10 – 4 cores

A12-8800B falls out of this nomenclature, but you can read about it.

Accordingly, from weaker to more powerful, both in graphics and in the processor part. Here's an example:

The first digit indicates the processor cores (generation).

In our case, having the number 7, we get Kaveri kernels.

It is worth noting that the number 4 for the A4 series on Richland architecture means a reduced frequency, which leads to reduced performance.

850 – indicates performance among similar processors in frequency (more is better)

• P – standard power consumption in the case of mobile processors (35 W)
• B – designation of Pro processors
• M – mobile processor (old designation)
• K – unlocked for overclocking
• T – reduced power consumption (stationary PCs)

Interestingly, there are A-processors labeled with the FX trademark. As a rule, these are the company's most powerful laptop processors. They are also built on APU architecture.

Athlon

Now let's talk about Athlon. Essentially these are the same A-processors, but with a disabled video core for a lower price.

Let's take as an example

• X4 – denotes 4 processor cores
• 8 – is an index of Kaveri cores (7 – Trinity)

We see no point in pointing to earlier models, since even the top-end Athlon X4 860K chip for this socket demonstrates the results of an average chip by modern standards, so we do not advise you to buy these processors in 2016. If at first it suits you, then when upgrading you will have to change and motherboard, which will cost a pretty penny and will recoup the money saved on this decision.

• 60 – just like in the previous case, indicates the position of the processor in the lineup
• K – has the same meaning

FX

Now let's talk about the most fast processors AMD - FX series. These chips have great overclocking potential and a very reasonable price tag. The main disadvantage stems from the rather outdated architecture and production technology - energy consumption. The TDP - performance ratio is much inferior to Intel processors, but the price - performance is at a very good level. The nomenclature outlined below is not valid for FX 9xxx - these are the same 8xxx, but with an increased clock frequency. Here is the chip we chose as an example:

The first digit indicates the number of cores, in this case 8.

The second indicates a generation

• 3 – Vishera cores
• 1, 2 – Zambezi cores

The remaining numbers indicate the frequency of the chip within the same family, but we believe that this does not matter. We advise you to take the youngest model in the line, since the older ones are exactly the same, but with factory overclocking. Why overpay for factory overclocking if the “stones” drive so well?

If you have any questions, you can visit the website, you can find some useful information there.

This article did not provide information about older chips, as well as about server solutions due to the outdated technology (technical process, architecture) of the former and the specificity of application and high cost of the latter. We hope that our material helped you understand the range of AMD processors and will help you make your choice.

Now smartphones can process a mountain of information if desired. Their processor power is enough to solve absolutely any problem. At the same time, modern chipsets consume a minimal amount of electricity, for which we should thank the improved technical process. Our rating of smartphone processors will tell you about the most powerful and interesting models. Devices based on them can be blamed for anything, but certainly not for lack of power!

Good to know!

Samsung Exynos 9820

• Year of issue: 2019
• Technical process: 8 nm
• Architecture: 2*Custom + 2*Cortex A75+ 4*Cortex A55
• Video accelerator: Mali-G76 MP12

Geekbench result: 4382/9570 points

An interesting fact was the appearance of the Samsung chipset in third place powerful processors. Previously, the company's solutions in synthetic tests were inferior not only to Qualcomm, but also to Huawei, but in this case the Koreans' numbers were higher.

The new product is built on an 8-nanometer process technology, the cores are divided into 3 groups - two proprietary fourth-generation cores, two productive Cortex A75 and four energy-efficient Cortex A55. Like other manufacturers, the company has focused on improving the performance of neural networks, the security of user data, as well as improving the performance of the camera and supporting a large number of sensors. So the new product can work with 5 cameras including infrared for face scanning and a resolution of no more than 22 megapixels or two front cameras 16 MP each. In addition, the chipset supports 4K displays, shooting in 8K at 30 fps, 4K up to 120 fps.

Advantages:

• Instantly configure camera settings for working with AR and VR.
• Supports shooting in 8K.
• Work with 5 cameras.
• Economical battery consumption.
• Improved encoding of users' personal data.
• 4K video processing up to 150 fps.
• Support for 4K displays.
• Works with UFS 2.1/3.0 SSDs.

Flaws:

• 8 nm process technology – even with the most ideal optimization, these chipsets cannot compete with 7 nm models in energy efficiency.
• Of the 8 cores, only the first two can be called new; the remaining 6 cores were migrated from previous processors without any changes, that is, the new product can hardly be fully considered as such - rather, it is an improved old processor.

Samsung S10, S10+, S10e

Huawei KIRIN 980

• Year of issue: 2018
• Technical process: 7 nm
• Architecture: 2*Cortex-A76 + 2*Cortex A76 + 4*Cortex A55
• Video accelerator: Mali-G76 MP10

Geekbench result: 3390/10318 points

The new processor from Huawei was technically the first created using the 7 nm process technology, however, having presented it to the world, the company was late with the release, giving the laurels to Apple. The cores are divided into three groups - two high-performance, two energy-efficient and four medium-performance. To ensure that exactly the cores needed are used in a particular task, the company has implemented Flex-Scheduling technology, thanks to which performance has increased by 37% compared to last year’s Kirin 970. Not without a new graphics accelerator, which is not only more powerful, but also automatically increases the clock speed in games.

Just like Huawei's competitors have improved the machine unit, it is 120% faster than its predecessor. In this case, these are not just words. Every year, all manufacturers focus on cameras and the fact that thanks to the work of AI, the pictures really turn out better in any conditions is difficult to dispute. This is best seen from Huawei. Already with last year's Kirin 970, the company achieved first place in the most prestigious camera rating from DxOMark. With the new processor, we can expect to surpass the previous level. A lot has been written about the photographic capabilities of the chipset, or more precisely its neural unit. To simplify, Huawei does the following - it does not chase top performance in tests, but it makes really excellent chipsets for photos and videos, and again there will be no difficulties with launching games or any other tasks. In many cases, this is what is required by users who look at real possibilities, not numbers.

Advantages:

• The best processor for photos and videos.
• Two neural network modules.
• Support high speed random access memory LPDDR4X up to 16 GB.
• Flex-Scheduling is a technology for choosing the “right” cores for specific tasks, which results in excellent energy efficiency and fast loading of any application.
• HDR10+ support.
• Support for the new standard - Wi-Fi 802.11ay.
• Work with 48 MP cameras or dual 22 MP modules.
• 4K recording at 60 fps.

Flaws:

• The graphics coprocessor is weaker than its competitors - this is not a minus for users, since there is GPU Turbo technology for automatic overclocking, which compensates for the difference.
• The company used “old” cores and improved them, that is, in fact, this is an updated processor, and not a fundamentally new development.
• No 5G support.

The most popular smartphones: View 20, Huawei P30, Huawei Mate 20

Mediatek Helio P90

• Year of issue: 2018
• Technical process: 12 nm
• Architecture: 2* Cortex-A75 + 6*Cortex A55
• Video accelerator: PowerVR GM 9446

Geekbench result: 2025/6831 points

MediaTek has long been associated among users with processors for budget and occasionally mid-price smartphones. The company is struggling to create a competitive flagship-level model, but is not doing it very well. So MediaTek did not make it into the top 10 most productive chipsets, but took 11th place with the Helio P90 released in 2019. The model has an eight-core structure, which, although it is divided into two and six cores, is in fact all of them high-performance. Not surprisingly, the P90 was able to outperform the Snapdragon 710 described below, which has exactly the same cores, but with six cores focusing on energy efficiency.

In general, the new product from MediaTek is quite interesting - there is support for the fastest RAM up to and solid state drives UFS 2.1, like its competitors, can work with a single 48 MP camera or a dual-module solution of 24 and 16 MP. Interesting feature is support for displays with a resolution of 2520*1080 and an aspect ratio of 21:9. The chipset has three image processing units and updated AI with support for AI Fusion function is responsible for distributing tasks among all units - this increases data processing speed. One of the features of this technology is that the screen adapts in real time to the selected application - in particular, when making a video call and switching from full-screen video mode to preview, users will not notice any delays.

Advantages:

• Eight powerful cores for maximum performance.
• Updated AI block for working with photos.
• Supports high-speed LPDDRX memory up to 8 GB.
• Supports modern cameras up to 48 MP.
• Shooting slow-motion video with fps 480 in HD format.

Flaws:

• Not the best energy efficiency.
• No 4K shooting.
• Old generation graphics coprocessor.

The most popular smartphones: BV9800

Qualcomm Snapdragon 710

• Year of issue: 2018
• Technical process: 10 nm
• Architecture: 2* Cortex-A75 + 6*Cortex A55
• Video accelerator: Adreno 616

Geekbench result: 1897 / 5909 points

A mid-level processor that took 12th place in the ranking of the most powerful chipsets. The model became the first in the 700 series. Before this, Qualcomm had a clear division: the 800 series is a flagship level with maximum capabilities, the 600 series is a mid-level with cut-down GPU and CPU cores, and the 400 series is a budget line with a minimum of capabilities. The 700 series processors and in particular the Snapdragon 710 are all the latest chips from the main line and at the same time a fairly affordable price.

The new product runs on two high-performance cores and six energy-efficient ones. Taking into account the new graphics system The model shows excellent performance in games and at the same time low energy consumption. In addition, it can process photos with high quality - it reduces noise, supports two dual cameras up to 16 MP, and 4K video. The company did not forget about AI, in this case the manufacturer did not waste time on trifles and installed Hexagon 685 machine cores, that is, the same as in 2018 - Snapdragon 845. The result was a fairly inexpensive chipset, which, if inferior to flagships, was only slightly . For those looking for a mid-priced smartphone with excellent performance, energy efficiency and photo processing, the Snapdragon 710 will be a real find.

Advantages:

• Affordable price.
• Supports two cameras up to 16 MP.
• Low power consumption.
• Powerful AI for photo creation.
• Supports 4K at 30 fps and HDR.
• Working with biometric sensors.
• Support Quick Charge 4+.

Flaws:

The most popular smartphones:Samsung Galaxy A8s, 16, Xiaomi Mi8 SE

Conclusion

It is worth noting that our rating did not include the Snapdragon 845 and 660, Kirin 970, Apple A11, Exynos 8895, Helio X30 chipsets due to the fact that they were all released at the end of 2017 or the beginning of 2018. Despite their relevance, many readers are familiar with them, and there are a huge number of smartphones based on them. For this reason, we chose powerful new products, which does not entail recommendations for purchasing devices based solely on them. But if you want a smartphone with the latest and most powerful chipset, then the models presented above are the best of their kind.

Removed from selection

Samsung Exynos 8 Octa 8890

• Year of issue: 2016
• Technical process: 14 nm
• Architecture: Samsung Exynos M1 + ARM Cortex-A53 (ARMv8-A)
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880, 12 cores, 650 MHz

Geekbench result: 5940 points

If not best processor for a smartphone, then at least one of those who is worthy of this title. It’s not for nothing that all variations of the South Korean Galaxy S7 are equipped with it. Is it possible to blame this flagship for lack of power? The chipset can easily handle 4K video at 60 fps. It consists of eight cores. The maximum frequency is 2290 MHz. But it is extremely rare for it to rise to such a level, since more low frequencies quite enough to solve most problems.

Unfortunately, the processor also has certain problems. It just so happens that South Korean chipsets are not equipped with the best video accelerator (GPU). Here too, the Mali-T880, despite its 12 cores, performs strictly to the “good” rating, but nothing more. This is proven by tests in GFXBench, where in terms of graphics, the Samsung Exynos 8 Octa 8890 is ahead of some other chipsets reviewed today.

Advantages

• Supports video in 2160p resolution at 60 frames/s;
• Not very hot;
• Low energy consumption;
• High scores in benchmarks.

Flaws

• The memory test does not show the best results;
• The graphics accelerator could perform better.

The most popular smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Samsung Galaxy Golden 4

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996

• Year of issue: 2015
• Technical process: 14 nm FinFET
• Architecture: Qualcomm Kryo
• Video accelerator: Adreno 530, 624 MHz

Geekbench result: 4890 points

Qualcomm does not have its own production facilities. However, it has many patents at its disposal. And with them, developing a processor close to ideal is not difficult, after which all that remains is to place an order for production from other companies. I am pleased with both the computing power and the capabilities in terms of graphics processing. Many flagships released in 2016 were equipped with this chipset. And none of their customers complained about the graphics in mobile games!

The chip consists of only four cores. However, this did not stop it from scoring record scores in benchmarks - not least thanks to the graphics accelerator. The maximum frequency of this processor is 2150 MHz. At the hardware level, the chipset supports HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, and Bluetooth 4.1. In short, the processor could easily cope even with the tasks assigned to a laptop! It also features support for a camera with a resolution of up to 28 megapixels - which is why the company, whose flagship smartphones have just such a sensor, chose this processor.

Advantages

• Very high resolution camera support;
• Capable of processing Full HD video at up to 240 frames/s;
• Supports 10-bit 4K video;
• Windows devices use DirectX 11.2;
• Very high clock speed;
• Not very high energy consumption;
• High scores in benchmarks;
• The memory test leads to high results;
• Excellent performance in games.

Flaws

• Sometimes it gets quite hot.

The most popular smartphones: Moto Z Force, Elite X3, ZenFone 3, 10, Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Sony Xperia X Performance, Sony Xperia XR, Xiaomi Mi5 Pro, Z11

HiSilicon Kirin 95

• Year of manufacture: 2016
• Technical process: 16 nm
• Architecture:
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880, 4 cores

Geekbench result: 6000 points

This chipset is manufactured using a 16-nanometer process technology, which indicates its decent energy efficiency. The maximum frequency here is increased to 2.5 GHz. The creators had to take this step because of the Mali-T880 graphics accelerator, which does not cope with its task in the best way.

The Chinese chipset consists of eight cores, four of which can be called auxiliary. Paired with a GPU, it is capable of playing 4K video at 60 fps. But the processor is only capable of playing back - independently creating video recordings - in 1080p resolution. And this despite the fact that the chip even supports dual cameras, the total resolution of which is 42 megapixels. It is also able to recognize Bluetooth 4.2 and USB 3.0 modules.

Advantages

• Support for many modern wireless technologies;
• Almost record clock speed;
• There are no big problems with overheating;
• Can decode 4K video at 60fps;
• Supports dual high definition cameras.

Flaws

• The graphics accelerator shows poor results.

The most popular smartphones: Huawei P9, Huawei P9 Plus, Huawei Honor V8, Huawei Honor Note 8.

HiSilicon Kirin 950

• Year of issue: 2015
• Technical process: 16 nm
• Architecture: 4x ARM Cortex-A72 + 4x ARM Cortex-A53
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880, 4 cores, 900 MHz

Geekbench result: 5950 points

In 2015-2016, this processor was used by many Huawei smartphones. The chipset consists of eight cores, the power of four of them can reach 2300 MHz. It would seem that the result is quite good. But not everything is so simple. The weak point of the chip is the graphics accelerator. The first version of Mali-T880 is used here. It copes well with video decoding - in theory, you can even run 4K video at 60 frames/s. But in games this GPU performs disgustingly, especially by flagship standards.

However, you can’t find fault with the computing power of this chipset, which is why it made it into our top processors. The product supports Bluetooth 4.2 and USB 3.0 standards, although the Chinese giant has not really produced smartphones with such high-speed interfaces, preferring to save money. Also, in theory, the processor copes with the data stream from, which has a total resolution of 42 megapixels.

Advantages

• Supports USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.2;
• High computing power;
• Support for modern memory formats;
• Not very expensive to produce;
• Decodes video into high resolution;
• Capable of handling a dual 42-megapixel camera.

Flaws

• The graphics accelerator could be much better;
• Cannot provide the camera with 4K video recording.

The most popular smartphones: Huawei Honor 8, Huawei Honor Note 8, Huawei Mate 8, Huawei Honor V8.

Apple A9X APL1021

• Year of issue: 2015
• Technical process: 16 nm
• Architecture: Apple Twister 64-bit ARMv8-compatible
• Video accelerator: PowerVR Series 7X, 12 cores

Geekbench result : 5400 points

Why do game developers primarily focus on Apple smartphones and tablets? Is it really only their owners who can afford to buy a toy? No, everything is much simpler. This is the technique that games work best on. The Apple A9X APL1021 processor is equipped with an almost ideal graphics accelerator, which can solve absolutely any problem! If Apple wanted, it could even implement a 4K video recording feature at 60 frames per second!

As for computing power, everything is fine here, although the processor still does not score record scores in benchmarks. It would seem that only two cores are used here. But for solving everyday problems this is quite enough. Not least because of the better optimized operating system.

Advantages

• High power of two cores;
• Excellent 12-core graphics accelerator;
• Full support 4K video at 60 fps;
• Support from many modern technologies;
• Recognizes modern memory formats.

Flaws

Apple iPad Pro

MediaTek MT6797 Helio X25

• Year of issue: 2016
• Technical process: 20 nm
• Architecture: 2x ARM Cortex-A72 + 4x ARM Coptex-A53 + 4x ARM Coptex-A53
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880MP4, 4 cores, 850 MHz

Geekbench result: 4920 points

A processor with a fairly complex structure. It consists of ten nuclei belonging to two varieties. The two cores are the most powerful - they belong to the Cortex-A72 type, and their clock speed can reach 2500 MHz. The remaining computing cores belong to the Cortex-A53 type. Moreover, half of them are overclocked to a frequency of 2000 MHz, while the rest are limited to 1550 MHz.

All this allows the processor to score a lot of points in benchmarks. And the result would have been even higher if not for the graphics accelerator. This element here is seriously limited in its capabilities. Yes it supports full-time job with 4K video, including its creation, but only at 30 fps. And in games the GPU copes with its task even worse. As for other characteristics, we should highlight support for 32-megapixel cameras and Bluetooth standard 4.1. The maximum display resolution of a smartphone with such a chipset can reach 2560 x 1600 pixels.

Advantages

• Support for 32 MP camera;
• Very high computing power;
• Relatively low power consumption;
• Although limited, there is support for 4K video;
• Low cost chipset.

Flaws

• The GPU performs poorly in games;
• No Bluetooth support 4.2.

The most popular smartphones: Meizu Pro 6, K6000 Premium, Xiaomi Redmi Pro, Speed ​​8, Apollo.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953

• Year of issue: 2016
• Technical process: 14 nm
• Architecture: ARM Cortex-A53 (ARMv8)
• Video accelerator: Adreno 506

Geekbench result: 4900 points

One of Qualcomm's most popular creations. It is endowed with a huge number of smartphones from the mid-budget and even top segments. The manufacturer did not bother with the architecture, giving the chipset eight identical cores. The maximum clock frequency is 2000 MHz, which to the average user quite enough.

The graphics accelerator here is optimized for processing video content. Theoretically, a smartphone built on the basis of this processor is capable of playing and recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. But in games some problems begin. Although their presence is surprising, because the GPU even has support for DirectX 12, which is activated on devices with Windows on board. The chipset also supports a dual camera, the total resolution of which does not exceed 24 megapixels. The only thing missing here is USB 3.0 support. However, smartphone creators do not like to integrate such high-speed connectors into their creations.

Advantages

• Dual camera supported;
• Well implemented technology fast charging;
• High power of all eight cores;
• Full support for 4K video content at 60 fps;
• Relatively low cost.

Flaws

• Camera resolution cannot exceed 24 megapixels;
• No Bluetooth 4.2 support;
• Display resolution cannot exceed 1920 x 1200 pixels;
• In games, the chipset does not perform well.

The most popular smartphones: Huawei G9 Plus, ASUS ZenFone 3, Fujitsu Easy, Huawei Maimang 5, Vibe P2, Motorola Moto Z Play, Samsung Galaxy C7.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 620 APQ8076

• Year of issue: 2016
• Technical process: 28 nm
• Architecture: 4x ARM Cortex-A72 + 4x ARM Cortex-A53
• Video accelerator: Adreno 510

Geekbench result: 4886 points

This chipset is also known as the Snapdragon 652. It is one of the last processors that is still produced on the 28nm process. The creators are not at all embarrassed by the relatively large size of the chip, since it is built mainly into tablets.

The processor consists of eight computing cores. The clock frequency of four of them can reach 1800 MHz. This is quite enough for the tablet to solve basic tasks without any hesitation. The chipset also includes the Adreno 510 graphics accelerator. There are no special complaints about it, because no one will expect excellent graphics performance from the tablet. It should be noted that theoretically the chip supports video processing in 2160p resolution at 30 frames/s. It also boasts support for Bluetooth 4.1 and proprietary Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology.

Advantages

• Supports devices with high screen resolutions;
• Great computing power;
• Albeit limited, but still support for 4K video;
• Built-in fast charging technology.

Flaws

• No Bluetooth 4.2 support;
• Still not the best graphics accelerator.

Most popular devices: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Plus 8.0, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Plus 9.7.

MediaTek MT6797M Helio X20

• Year of issue: 2016
• Technical process: 20 nm
• Architecture: 2x ARM Cortex-A72 + 4x ARM Cortex-A53 + 4x ARM Cortex-A53
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880MP4, 4 cores, 780 MHz

Geekbench result: 5130 points

Many mobile processors have four or even eight cores. In the case of the MediaTek MT6797M Helio X20, their number has been increased to ten. As a result, the performance of the chipset is very high. Especially in applications that do not require serious graphics processing. It should be noted that only two computing cores are particularly powerful here - their clock frequency reaches 2300 MHz. The remaining nuclei are divided into two groups. One can please you with a frequency of 1850 MHz, while the other has this parameter fixed at 1400 MHz. But the result in any case is very good, which is confirmed by synthetic tests, and by the smartphones themselves - the interface on them does not slow down at all thanks to the chipset.

As for the graphics accelerator, everything is much worse here. Theoretically, it copes with viewing and recording 4K video at 30 frames per second. But in games you immediately feel a lack of power. Modern games will run on a smartphone with such a processor, but with simplified graphics. Especially if the device has a screen with Full HD resolution or higher. It should also be noted that the processor supports almost any mobile cameras- as long as the module resolution does not exceed 32 megapixels.

• Year of issue: 2015
• Technical process: 28 nm
• Architecture: ARM Cortex-A72 + ARM Cortex-A53 (ARMv8)
• Video accelerator: Adreno 510

Geekbench result: 4610 points

There are two versions of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 620 processor, also known as the Snapdragon 652. The first is the MSM8976, which was released in 2015. A year later, a slightly more improved version was released - APQ8076, which some received. The products are practically no different from each other. They have eight cores, half of which are capable of increasing the frequency to 1800 MHz. Both processors are equipped with a far from ideal Adreno 510 graphics accelerator.

Qualcomm's creation is capable of supporting smartphones whose display has a resolution of no higher than 2560 x 1600 pixels. As for the camera, it is possible to process data coming from a dual module, the total resolution of which does not exceed 21 megapixels. Everything is fine with the module and its capabilities for processing data coming from dual-channel LPDDR3 memory.

Advantages

• High performance;
• View 4K video at 30 fps;
• Theoretical possibility of recording video in 1080p and 120 frames/s;
• Not very high cost;
• Support dual cameras;
• Screen resolution can reach 2560 x 1600 pixels.

Flaws

• Bluetooth 4.2 is not supported;
• The maximum camera resolution cannot be very high.

The most popular smartphones: X6S A, Vivo X7, Vivo X7 Plus, LeEco Le2, G5 SE, R9 Plus, Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2016), ZTE Nubia Z11 Max, Xiaomi Mi Max